LYNWOOD, CA – In their first-ever appearance on the USA Dance Nationals stage, students in Lynwood High School’s Dance Career Technical Education pathway earned a second-place finish on March 15, beating out some of the top dance teams in the country.

Their lyrical routine, “Medicine,” and jazz routine, “Working Girl,” both of which qualified them for nationals, took seven months to choreograph and perfect by 17 dance ensemble students, program lead and Lynwood High alumna Brittany Washington and instructors. Ultimately, their lyrical routine secured their podium finish.

For Washington, who has dedicated a decade to leading the program, this win represents years spent building a pathway that provides professional-level training and industry experience to more than 150 students.

“Being able to share my passion and this gift with these students – words can’t even express how lucky and grateful I am,” Washington said. “This win is so rewarding, especially coming from this school. A lot of these students don’t have the means or funds to take outside classes, so it’s incredibly special to be able to offer them opportunities through this program.”

Washington tapped into the emotional storytelling of “Medicine” by asking her dancers to reflect on a personal challenge they were ready to overcome. Each student wrote their experience down and carried it with them throughout the rehearsal process, developing a connection to the performance. Before taking the stage during finals, dancers symbolically tore the paper, representing a release of what they were holding onto.

For junior and dance team captain, Daisy Ramirez, the road to nationals was as meaningful as the result. Ramirez, now in her third year in the program, said the Dance Ensemble has become like a second home, offering a supportive environment where students can grow as performers and individuals.

“Once you step into the dance room, everything else goes away and all you can focus on is dance,” Ramirez said. “Seeing how everyone bonded and how happy everyone was, I think we won more because of that than anything else.”

Balancing four Advanced Placement classes and involvement in campus clubs and activities, Ramirez said the dance pathway provides a special connection to her campus life. According to Ramirez, the pathway helped her develop both technical skills and confidence, while learning how to lead her teammates.

“It just feels like a good environment and provides a safe space, not just for me, but for everyone on the team,” Ramirez said. “Dance allows us to express ourselves.”

Lynwood High’s Dance Pathway offers students a structured progression from introductory classes to advanced performance opportunities. Students gain experience in multiple dance styles and choreography, while building confidence through events and competitions.

Dancers also gain industry insight from Washington herself, who brings decades of professional dance experience to the classroom, including performing for the Los Angeles Clippers, working as a Los Angeles Rams cheerleader and performing at Disneyland. She continues to coach within the Rams organization, integrating real-world industry experience directly into her teaching.

The Knights will continue their season at the Sharp National Dance Competition on April 18.

“This achievement speaks to the dedication and perseverance of our students, as well as the support they receive from their teachers and school community,” LUSD Superintendent Patrick Gittisriboongul, Ed.D., said. “Moments like this inspire others across the District to pursue their interests and believe in what they are capable of. We are excited to see how these students continue to build on this success and carry what they have learned into their future.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

USA_DANCE_NATIONALS1: Lynwood High School’s Career Technical Education Dance Pathway students secured a second-place finish at the USA Dance Nationals on March 15, beating out some of the top dance programs in the country.